Hospice Provider Adopts Cloud Computing

Community Health, one of the largest hospice providers in the Carolinas, has adopted a cloud computing solution from Peak 10, which will improve its technology environment through a virtualized platform that performs managed hosting, security, and backup services, said the organization.

According to company executives, Peak 10's Enterprise Cloud Plus will help Community Health utilize a new, dedicated cluster of virtual machine (VM) host servers which results in a more efficient, scalable, high-performance, and cost-effective IT environment. The virtual cluster provides multiple layers of protection, availability, and fault tolerance to protect applications and operating systems based on their importance to the business. The virtual cluster in many ways removes the need for server downtime when compared to a traditional server environment.

Enterprise Cloud Plus is used to deliver public cloud-like services in a hosted model. Services are delivered per VM and take advantage of the multi-tenant model with resource pooling, dynamic load sharing, redundant infrastructure, and more. The hosted cluster environment allows for seamless scaling for each client based on its current requirements, while access to the resource pool flexibly supports temporary demand spikes without the need for a permanent investment.

Jonathan Williams, IT manager of Community Health, stressed the importance of teamwork as both companies worked to build and transition Community Health's technology into its new environment. "We feel confident that we've found a cost-effective solution that will grow with us," Williams said.

With multiple locations throughout North and South Carolina, Community Health is associated with the Community Hospice Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds to aid the crusade against life-limiting conditions. It does so by contributing to community awareness and education, scholarships, research, and programs that engage in the practical ministry of indigent care.

"Community Health now has a solid production environment at a fraction of the cost of a traditional server solution," said Marilyn Finfrock, VP and general manager of Peak 10 Raleigh, in a statement.